Twitter is the best example of social media in present times. It is giving people freedom to express themselves through words, images and videos.
At present, it has millions of members and this number is expected to increase even more.
Lets take the Iranian revolution for instance. There are strict regulations imposed by the Iranian government to stop people from expressing themselves. It is at this time that social media like Twitter are allowing news to leak out. People are sharing their distress and suffering through links on the site. And others are passing the word. And also consoling with them.
But the problem is that as words and news is passed around, it may get distorted and misinterpreted and the real picture might not come forth. Its just like the game we used to play when we were young, 'Chinese Whispers'. The message passed around used to get distorted by the time it used to reach the last person.
And who takes advantage of these distortions and exaggerations? Maybe the governments of other countries who have political interests. Maybe the opposition within who want power.....Question is who will decide the fate of the Iranian people? The people themselves, the present government, the opposition or other countries...
Coming back to the Tweeting....the Twitter is playing such an amazing role that even the US parliament is beginning to take notice.
Also known as the 'SMS of the Internet', Marketers are predicting that Twitter might even make it to Fortune 500 one day.
7 comments:
Just read your post on Iran’s political turmoil and how social networks like Twitter are creating new and exciting opportunities for the wretched of the earth.
I think the ongoing unrest will further pronounce Tehran’s siege mentality and, at least in the short term, take the country back into its isolationist mode.
That will, of course, be extremely unfortunate since the Iranian demonstrators are risking their lives to break their shackles and to bring their country back into the international fold.
I like the line where you say
'creating new and exciting opportunities for the wretched of the earth'....but my question is don't you think this is what all media do?
And the irony of it all is that Wajahat, as you said that the government of Tehran will not give in to the pressure but Twitter might go on to become a Fortune 500 company.
In my opinion, mainstream media organizations do not serve public interest all the time. Yet, it has now become possible for people to embrace the tools of modern technology and become citizen journalists.
It is obvious that mainstream press and broadcast services are likely to enjoy greater outreach and influence, at least, in the foreseeable future. But it is also possible for the new media to set the news agenda for everyone (as it happened when everyone started discussing the flogging of the 17-year-old girl in Swat after someone posted her video on YouTube).
So, I guess, we should try to move towards collaborative journalism in Pakistan and bring professional and non-professional journalists together.
The reason why I have always supported the advent and freedom of media, especially in Pakistan is because it has brought accountability to a certain extent.
And at least some of the people get to tell their stories and get justice or their due right.
I hope, despite its negative aspects, media continues to play an effective role with honest media channels ready to tell only but the truth!
I am not against freedom of press in Pakistan: I was only discussing the limitations of mainstream media outlets and the way to minimize them.
As for "truth", it is always an elusive commodity.
As one of my colleagues pointed out in his write-up today, it is "hard to define – let alone defend – in a society where violence is deeply entrenched".
I must say 'Well Said' by your colleague!
And yes, Truth is a matter of perceptions.....there are always two or more sides to a story.
Post a Comment